Originally Posted by Shannon

Thanks for the suggestion, Todd. What's sadly funny is the window that is most frequently struck is the window the tallest of our two scratching posts for our cats is located directly in front of. There's almost always a real live cat standing or sleeping on top of the scratching post during the day, and watching the birds is one of their favorite pasttimes. This has made me think maybe the doves are swooping in to ward off prey (the cat) and hitting the window as a result.

However, I've stood outside right after a dove strike and depending on the angle, it can be difficult to see the scratching post or cat from outside. What I see when standing in the backyard or crouched down ("dove's eye view" as it were) near the feeders is a reflection of the blue sky/clouds and trees in the expanse of windows... no wonder the birds careen into them at full speed.

Maybe four strategically placed wind chimes... though that would drive me (and my neighbors) batty. I think I need something attached to the eves of the house, outside, that will break up the unbroken "blue sky view" the windows create... but other than used CD's, which I don't think would break up the false sky the birds are seeing enough to prevent strikes, I'm not sure what to hang for the long term. Potted plants won't work, due to the height of our roofline back there -- it needs to be something I don't have to tend. Maybe Justin should pick us up four bright orange aviation windsocks...that's it.

The FAA probably wouldn't like that idea... since we live on the approach path to San Antonio International Airport, although the planes are still quite high overhead when they pass over our neighborhood. We're out by 1604 and Blanco Rd...

PS: Check this out -- the Sibley Bird Guides website has a compelling graph of how deadly windows are to birds...